Jeff's European Forehand Style

Bob Van Deusen Asked 1 month ago

Hello! 

I would like to adopt Jeff's forehand style of the shorter arm and the elbow bent at a 90 degree angle (and kept that way thoughout the swing). Do you have any suggestions on how to best practice this/put this style into play? 

Thank you! 

Alois Rosario Answered 1 month ago

Hello Bob,

Great to hear that you're keen on adopting a forehand style similar to Jeff's, which is indeed influenced by the European technique. Here are some tips and drills to help you effectively practice and integrate this style into your game:

Focus on the Setup: Start by ensuring your stance is correct. Your feet should be wider than shoulder-width apart. This position allows for better balance and power generation.

Elbow Positioning: As you've noted, keeping the elbow bent at about a 90-degree angle is where you want it to be. Practice this by doing shadow swings without the ball. Concentrate on maintaining the angle throughout the swing. You can check your form by recording your practice or doing it in front of a mirror.

Compact Swing: The shorter arm motion is a key feature of this style. To practice, focus on keeping your swings compact and efficient. Use your forearm and a slight shoulder rotation to generate power, rather than a full arm swing.

Ball Drills: Once you're comfortable with the shadow swings, incorporate the ball. Start with simple forehand drives against a block or backspin. Focus on hitting the ball with a forward and slightly upward motion, maintaining the elbow angle.

Match Play: Start using the technique in practice matches. Initially, you might find it challenging to maintain form under pressure or during longer rallies, but persist with it. The more you use it in match scenarios, the more natural it will become.

Video Feedback: Regularly record your training and matches to visually track your progress. Look specifically at your arm and elbow positioning throughout your forehand strokes. This feedback is invaluable for making adjustments.

Remember, changing your technique can take time and may affect your game initially as you adapt. Be patient and consistent with your practice.